Paris Olympics 2024: West Australian Connor Leahy reveals pursuit team remain unbreakable in gold medal glory

West Australian Conor Leahy has revealed the ecstasy of redemption after helping power Australia to a record-equaling 17th gold medal in the men’s team pursuit cycling.

Leahy, Oliver Bleddyn, Sam Welsford, and Kelland O’Brien had to keep their cool after smashing the world record while qualifying for the final rounds before holding their nerve to topple Great Britain in a gripping gold-medal ride.

Leahy was the reserve in Tokyo three years ago when Alex Porter’s handlebars unexpectedly snapped mid-race, crashing the Australians out of the medal hunt.

But four years later, the man from the Peel Cycling Club was front and centre as the quartet flew around the Velodrome to finally complete their quest for gold.

“We stayed so composed, and we didn’t want to let ourselves get too excited after the world record,” he told Channel 9.

“There was so much rigidity in our ride and then just letting it all out after. A lot of redemption and a lot of fightback to get there, and it all came out.

“I went to Tokyo as the reserve. I was on the sidelines, and it was a good experience to go; it was a crazy few days in Tokyo, and I think everyone since then has put 100 per cent into making sure that this week goes so much smoother.”

Porter was at home in South Australia as the gold medallists battled it out with the Brits but was the first to congratulate them with a special Whatsapp message.

“Porter’s been talking to us every minute of the day,’’ Welsford revealed.

“He just mentioned us before and said I’m not crying, you’re crying... he’s always been there for us.

“For him to be so heavily invested after what happened in Tokyo, that means a lot to us.

“We copped a big blow in Tokyo but I think that also lit a bit of fire for us to nail it.

“We just stuck our heads in the sand and got to work, and that was probably the most important thing.’’

In pursuit of a record-equalling 17th gold medal, the Aussies flew out of the blocks.

It was neck and neck the entire race as Great Britain matched the boys in gold for three kilometres.

But a slip-up and a mechanical issue on a bike at the very end gave Australia the edge, and Leahy in his trio took full advantage, powering home for the victory in 3.42.067, 2.327 seconds ahead.

They blitzed the competition during the heat stages, setting a venue record before breaking the world record — sending them to the final against Great Britain.

They now tie the Australian record for most gold medals at an Olympic Games with 17 and still days left to compete.